Sophia University Exchange

Key Benefits:

When you study at the Sophia University, you will take courses alongside local and study abroad students, with classes offered in English in the Faculty of Liberal Arts, with optional Japanese language courses. This program is ideal if you want to challenge yourself academically and develop independence. Before applying, consider whether you are prepared to commit to all aspects of the program. When required, you must apply to the host university, secure housing, and obtain a visa. Failure to complete these tasks correctly and on time may result in withdrawal from the program. You will experience a different educational system than at Seattle University. This program requires a high level of independence both during the pre-departure process and while abroad. While the university has an international student office for support, certain support systems commonly found in U.S. higher education may not be available. Seattle University provides comprehensive global medical insurance and off-site support. Sophia University provides international student support, Japanese National Health Insurance, housing support, student organizations, university facilities, academic accommodations, on-site orientation, and visa-related assistance.

Level of Immersion
Language(s) of Instruction:
English
Japanese
Features
Courses with Locals
Courses with Study Abroad Students
Local University Program
Language Intensive Program
No Language Pre-Requisites

Housing Abroad

Housing is not included in the program fee. The program will provide housing in the following accommodation types:|Dorm

Program Dates

Fall Semester: late-September to late-January
Spring Semester: early-April to late-July

Housing at Seattle University

Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.

Housing Residence Life

Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preferenceas best as they can.

Housing Application

Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates

Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May

Disciplines

Courseload

Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.

Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the students' time abroad.

Credit Range: 12-15
Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
Typical Course load: 4-5
Credit Per Course: 3

Credit Conversion
Transcript Issued By: Sophia University
Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
Quarter Range: 18-22.5

EAO Historic Course Search

Academic Policy

Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Transfer of Credit & Placeholder Course

Transfer Credits

Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.

Placeholder Course

The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.

Program Fees

Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.

Fall Semester: $0
Spring Semester: $0

Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.

Budget Worksheets

Academic Year Fall Semester Spring Semester

Participation Costs

For SU-Exchange programs, students are billed Seattle University (1) Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, and (3) Global Medical Insurance. Housing costs are separate and American College of Greece may require additional fees; these and estimated additional expenses are outlined in the program's detailed Budget Worksheet. Students are encouraged to complete the Budget Worksheet and discuss applicable financial aid with Student Financial Services.

Payment

For SU-Exchange programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University's quarterly deadlines, and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual. Additional expenses not included in your Seattle U bill, like housing, special course fees, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by Sophia University and/or their affiliate housing company. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.

Insurance

When you participate in an SU-Exchange program at Seattle University, you are enrolled in comprehensive travel and global medical insurance through On-Call International for the duration of your program. Seattle University bills the insurance cost to your MySeattleU account.

Scholarships

There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.

Scholarship Opportunities Cost Comparison Calculator

Student Journey

Approximate Timeline	Phase	More details
Sept-Jan	Exploration	Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals.
Feb 1	Apply	Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st.
Late Feb/Early Mar	Nominations	Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs.
Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring)	Preparation	Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc.

Application Steps

Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.

If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!

Climate

Spring (March to May): Mild and cool, with cherry blossoms in bloom. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The rainy season (tsuyu) occurs in June and July.
Autumn (September to November): Cool and dry, with vibrant autumn leaves. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Winter (December to February): Cold and dry in most areas, with temperatures between 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Northern regions like Hokkaido experience heavy snowfall.

Travel Resources

Air: Major international airports include Narita (Tokyo), Haneda (Tokyo), and Kansai (Osaka). Visit Japan Travel for detailed travel information.
Train: Japan has an extensive rail network, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) that connects major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Public Transport: Cities have efficient public transport systems including buses, subways, and trams. Prepaid cards like Suica and Pasmo are widely used for convenience.

Cultural Resources

Historical Sites: Popular destinations include Mount Fuji, Kyoto's temples, Tokyo's Shibuya crossing, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Language: The official language is Japanese. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, though learning basic Japanese phrases is helpful.
Festivals: Notable festivals include Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, and Obon (a festival to honor ancestors).

Food & Diet

Cuisine: Japanese cuisine is known for sushi, ramen, tempura, and sashimi. Japanese meals often emphasize seasonal ingredients and presentation.
Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are becoming more available, though traditional dishes often include fish or meat. Many restaurants cater to various dietary preferences, especially in cities.

Embassy/Consulate

U.S. Embassy in Tokyo: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 (Phone: +81 3 3224-5000)

Identity-Specific Considerations

Accessibility: Japan has made significant improvements in accessibility, particularly in urban areas and public transport. However, older buildings may still present challenges.
LGBTQ+: Japan is generally conservative regarding LGBTQ+ issues. While discrimination is uncommon, public displays of affection, particularly between same-sex couples, may not be widely accepted. Large cities like Tokyo and Osaka are more progressive.
Religion: Japan is religiously pluralistic, with Shinto and Buddhism being the dominant traditions, alongside a small but growing number of Christians and other religious groups.
Race & Ethnicity: Japan is largely ethnically homogeneous, with minority groups such as Ainu, Ryukyuan, and foreign residents sometimes facing social barriers and discrimination.
Gender: Gender equality is improving in Japan, but women still face significant challenges in the workforce, including a gender pay gap and underrepresentation in leadership roles.

Visa Requirements

What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.

Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by Sophia University.

U.S. passport holders must obtain a student visa to study in Japan, while non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates. Students will apply through the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle or the consulate closest to their home, with required documents sent by Sophia University before departure. To apply for a College Student Visa, students must submit an Acceptance Letter from Sophia University, a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) issued by the Immigration Bureau, and a valid passport to a Japanese embassy or consulate either in their country of citizenship or where their home institution is located. Sophia University has outsourced the CoE process to an administrative law firm, and students will receive instructions from the firm, which they must follow carefully to ensure smooth processing. Once issued, the Digital CoE (in email text format) will be sent to students via email. Sophia University will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in Sophia University’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.

Sophia University Exchange

About this Program

Program Highlights

Level of Immersion

Features

Housing Abroad

Program Dates

Housing at Seattle University

Housing Residence Life

Housing Application

Disciplines

Courseload

Credit Conversion

Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

Transfer Credits

Placeholder Course

Program Fees

Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

Budget Worksheets

Participation Costs

Payment

Insurance

Scholarships

Student Journey

Application Steps

Climate

Travel Resources

Cultural Resources

Food & Diet

Embassy/Consulate

Identity-Specific Considerations

Visa Requirements

What is a Visa?

The experience at a glance

Map